Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their baby close at night, without risking safety. They are designed to be used by infants up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for feedings in the middle of the night. The base cannot be placed under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring without leaving their own beds. This type of arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or who have limited mobility. It could help parents stay well-rested throughout the night. It is crucial to think about the safety aspects when purchasing a bedside crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could cause suffocation risks to young infants. In addition sharing a bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, they do not meet CPSC's safety standards. They may have slats which allow a baby's legs or head to be stuck. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, leading to separation.
Many of these surfaces have bedding that is loose, which can lead to suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can also create the risk of suffocation. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that can hurt a child if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings for these products. This could decrease the likelihood that caregivers are unaware of key components. In addition, bedside cribs should have an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for sleepers in the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they get sick or vomit up during the night, select a set that is simple to wash and dries. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're going to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you are able to move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several months or weeks so that your child can be comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great choice for new parents who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of a bed for adults and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach out to tend their baby during the night. It may have a tilt feature that helps alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature helps their baby sleep more comfortably. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest. This can lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat as well as breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. It is recommended to buy an entirely new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to stick with those if you can.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to save space while bringing your child closer. However some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is also a challenge to place it under a divan bed, which could cause it rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned next to your mattress, however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilting of a bassinet could cause your child to roll into a risky position, increasing the danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a compact crib that attaches to the sides of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to access their child with ease throughout the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some even have a a lower side that forms an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and a lot of them have wheels to make it easy to move around the home.
Some cribs for bedside use a tilt function that can aid infants with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is important to use the tilt function with caution and at a small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Consult your physician or health care professional if aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
The mattress is another important safety factor to consider when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can cause an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can help your child remain cool during the night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to bed in their own secure sleeping space, such as either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it could be appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you might be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money could be enticed by a secondhand bassinet, crib, or cradle that they acquire from a relative or friend. Cribs are one of many baby products that could cause death, particularly if older cribs have broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips or other conditions that are dangerous for your baby. If a crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated by lead paint or have other toxic chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a used crib, check to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was painted with water-based paint, since this is safer for infants. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slide off mattresses that are soft and also could pose a danger of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp elements that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting bedside sleeper cot , blankets or toys to these products, which can become entrapment hazards.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering things. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side height, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in end panels. In the past few years, the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.